Ark. House Speaker says he's reviewing voter ID

Monday

Mar 11, 2013 at 11:18 AMMar 11, 2013 at 11:20 AM

Carter said Monday that some lawmakers told him they plan to object to the bill on the grounds that it failed to capture a two-thirds majority of votes — 24 votes — when it passed the Senate on a 23-12 vote last month.

Associated Press

Arkansas House Speaker Davy Carter says he's reviewing constitutional concerns that have been raised about a bill to require voters to present a photo ID before casting a ballot.

Carter said Monday that some lawmakers told him they plan to object to the bill on the grounds that it failed to capture a two-thirds majority of votes — 24 votes — when it passed the Senate on a 23-12 vote last month.

The opponents say a supermajority is required because the voter ID bill would change the state's permanent voter registration system established under Amendment 51 of the Arkansas Constitution.

Carter says the House won't vote on the bill Monday. He says he's evaluating the legal issues and expects the House to take some action on the measure on Tuesday.